Every day, organizations are working hard to improve the economy and livelihoods of residents in rural and tribal communities in the United States. From affordable housing to small business development and community building, these rural-serving organizations are essential; they meet immediate needs while keeping long-term goals on the horizon. This brief’s findings reinforce insights rural practitioners know well: the wide array of rural-serving organizations are mostly small, often underresourced and work in relative isolation from similar organizations. Small but mighty, they work in concert with local people, firms and governments to fill gaps and adapt to do whatever it is communities need done. With the COVID-19-imposed health and related economic crises, these very same rural-serving organizations are again on the front lines as they strive to meet immediate needs and to ensure long-term recovery results in a more inclusive, resilient future.
Published in collaboration with the Housing Assistance Council.
